Stone Mountain Fitness Hike - FAST PACE (~3.5mph AVERAGE Pace)

Stone Mountain is a great way to spend the evening hiking with friends.  The scope of the hike, and this AOC staple for years, is pretty simple.  Get around and summit Stone Mountain as quickly as possible.  To mix things up we may start with the summit or we may end with the summit.  We may hike around the mountain clockwise or counter-clockwise to keep you guessing.  Depending on the weather (rain, sunset, temperature, wind, etc) the summit may be ommited due for safety concerns and replaced with an extended hike around the mountain.  Traditionally we hike around Stone Mountain on the Cherokee Trail which is well worn with moments of scrambling over rocks and plenty of tree roots to make things interesting.  Based on trail conditions portions or all of the hike may be moved to the paved loop trail / road at Stone Mountain.

Regardless of the route and weather expect ~5-7 miles of fast pace hiking averaging ~3.5+ mph with limited stops along the way.  While the pace summiting the mountain is a little slower, but this is NOT a scenic hike.

Those who are REALLY FAST are encouraged to bring a pack to slow your pace and strengthen your core and leg muscles.

Those who are SLOWER, as already mentioned, there will be rest breaks, but be ready to push through each section to continue to build your strength and stamina to overtake the REALLY FAST hikers!

If you have not done a D4 hike with the club, expect contact from a trip leader to make sure you have read the itinerary and understand what you are getting into.  The Trip Leader reserves the right to remove anyone from the hike who has NOT done a D4 or has the level of experience to complete the hike.  Additionally, you may be asked to return to the parking lot if your pace is excessively slow to the point that you are seriously falling bahind.  

We will meet near the start of the walk- up trail behind the large parking lot beside Confederate Hall. The hike will start promptly at 6:00 pm so plan accordingly since Atlanta traffic can be erratic in the afternoon/evenings. There is an $15 parking fee to enter the park or you can purchase a 1 year pass for $40. 

From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit.

Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8, the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance.

After entering the main entrance, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork at about 1 mile – stay to the right.

Continue to follow the road for another mile.

Confederate Hall will be on your left.

The parking lot will be immediately after. We’ll meet behind Confederate Hall near the walk up trail.

Additional directions and maps can be found at: http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx